[fumbling in coat-pocket]

—why, look here, Mrs. Creech!

[At this LADY CREECH half rises from her chair with a profound shudder, sinks back again; PIKE continues.]

I've got a letter right here

[takes letter from pocket]

that tells me your brother-in-law was in business—and I respect him for it—only a few years ago.

LADY CREECH

[angrily]

A letter from whom?

PIKE